Beer is the world's most widely consumed and probably oldest of alcoholic beverages; it is the third most popular drink overall, after water and tea. At NorCal Beer Blog we'll discuss beer, brewing and beer culture in not only Northern California, but across the beer drinking community He who drinks beer sleeps well. He who sleeps well cannot sin. He who does not sin goes to heaven.
Amen.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the
NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Lakewood Brewing Company Mole
Temptress - Imperial Milk Stout - Ale Brewed With Lactose Sugar And Vanilla With
Chilies, Cacao And Cinnamon. I picked up this bottle while in Texas at Hall’s
Wine & Spirits (here)
which is a must visit bottle shop if you find yourself in or around Dallas.

From the Lakewood Brewing Company website: “Mole (pronounced moh-lay)
is a traditional Mexican sauce made with a variety of ingredients including
dried chiles and chocolate, flavors that beg to be paired with our seductive
señorita. So we combine ancho, pasilla, guajillo, and chipotle peppers for
spice; add 100% pure cacao; and toss in a touch of cinnamon for a bold, festive
spin on our cerveza deliciosa.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours
black with a thin brown head leaving light lacing.

Aroma: Cinnamon,
vanilla, cacao, chile peppers and roasted malt.

Taste: Cinnamon
is big followed by sweet chocolate, vanilla and then chilies.

Overall: A
delicious Mexican-style stout, Lakewood Brewing Company Mole Temptress has the
perfect balance of chocolate, cinnamon and chilies. This 9.1% ABV offering is
rich and creamy, not too spicy and well worth trying.

Cheers!

Mark Harvey

If you haven’t already, please like the NorCal Beer Blog on
Facebook (here)

From the Wicked Weed Brewing website:
“Oblivion is a sour red ale aged with blackberries and dates in red wine
barrels for up to 12 months. This ale is then carefully blended to create depth
and balance that will envelop you in its complexity.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours
a dark auburn color with a thin white head leaving lots of lacing on the glass.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the
NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Lost Coast Brewery Sharkinator
White IPA.

From the Lost Coast Brewery website: “Sharkinator
is the hip brother of Great White. Well, maybe hop brother would be a better
description. Sharkinator is our Great White taken to the next level by dry
hopping it with Cascade, Crystal, Chinook and Citra hops, providing a wonderful
citrus aroma and refreshing hoppy flavor. This is a Session IPA, grab some
friends and drink all you want, we'll make more!”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours
a slightly hazy straw color with a white head leaving good lacing.

From the Almanac Beer Company website: “All
hail His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Norton I, of The United States and Protector
of Mexico! A beloved 19th century San Francisco denizen, Emperor Norton was
best known for issuing his own currency, calling for the overthrow of the
Federal Government, and for prophesying a future bridge connecting San
Francisco and Oakland.

Emperor Norton is an eccentric ale brewed in his honor,
blending a classic Belgian-style tripel with California-grown summer apricots
and dry-hopped generously with Citra and Hallertau Blanc hops. Enjoy in the
company of unconventional friends!”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours
a hazy orangish yellow color with a large white head leaving lots of lacing.

Overall: Very
drinkable and enjoyable, Almanac Beer Company Emperor Norton - Dry-Hopped
Belgian-Style Ale Brewed With Apricots is delicious. The alcohol in this 9% ABV offering is well
hidden. I would absolutely drink again.

Cheers!

Mark Harvey

If you haven’t already, please like the NorCal Beer Blog on
Facebook (here)

From the is Sudwerk Brewing Company website:
“Inspired by the iconic Cascade hop and named for the rugged mountain range
that stretches from British Columbia to Northern California. This beer was
carefully dry-hopped with the finest Cascade hops from Yakima Valley, creating
a citrusy, piney and refreshing West Coast taste. Elevate your Lager
experience.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours
a pale amber color with a dense off-white head leaving good lacing.

Overall: Crisp
and clean, Sudwerk Brewing Company Cascaderade India Pale Lager is nice. This 6.6% ABV offering isn’t something I’d
tend to gravitate toward, but I’d certainly drink another one if given the
chance.

Cheers!

Mark Harvey

If you haven’t already, please like the NorCal Beer Blog on
Facebook (here)

Overall: Medium
to light bodied and easy to drink, Midnight Sun Brewing Company Arctic Rhino
Coffee Porter is tasty. This 5% ABV
offering may not be a go-to for me, but I would certainly drink it again.

Cheers!

Mark Harvey

If you haven’t already, please like the NorCal Beer Blog on
Facebook (here)

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the
NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Alpine Beer Company Hoppy
Birthday Session IPA. I picked this up at Santa Clara Liquors (here). If you get a
chance, head in there and tell ‘em that Mark from NorCal Beer Blog sent
you. You’ll be glad you did – they have an incredible selection!

From the Alpine Beer Company website: “Truth is,
everyone has a birthday. And when you want to celebrate, this Session IPA is a
gift to the senses. Made with 6 different hops, this bold brew is refreshing
enough to enjoy again and again. Now, make a wish and blow out the candles. But
don’t tell anyone, or your wish won’t come true. 69 IBU 5.25%ABV”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours
a light golden orange color with a large slightly off-white head leaving lots
of lacing.

Overall: Flavorful
and refreshing, Alpine Beer Company Hoppy Birthday Session IPA very
drinkable. This 5.25% ABV offering is a
nice choice for those seeking a Session IPA. I would certainly drink this
again.

Cheers!

Mark Harvey

If you haven’t already, please like the NorCal Beer Blog on
Facebook (here)